Gauteng Foundry Training Centre revitalised The Gauteng Foundry Training Centre (GFTC) – the only Quality Council for Trades and Occupations-accredited trade test facility and the only public facility in South Africa – is firing on all cylinders again after a period of scaling back some of its training endeavours due to post-COVID financial refocusing.
T he GFTC was established in 2013 as a collaboration be- tween the Gauteng Department of Economic Development; the South African Institute of Foundrymen; the Ekurhuleni East TVET College; the National Foundry Technology Network (NFTN); and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. It is administered by the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research). Training modules focus on pattern making, moulding and melting. These are crucial skills for the foundry sector, which is the backbone of the steel manufacturing industry. Sandy Majatladi, NFTN Manager, says, “Just looking at moulding, for example, it is the foundation of every casting process: if you get that wrong, the end cast product is compromised. Formalised and accredited skills in these areas that consider both the theory, including the processes, and the practical execution are an imperative to sound quality, competitive products.” Errol Beling, Training Centre’s Head of the Occupational Programme, says the GFTC “maintains the standard as high as it should be, aligning with the general devel- opmental and foundry needs of industry”. All three focus areas have been accredit- ed, and the Kwa Thema campus has seen 56 pattern makers, floor moulders and melters completing their training. They have been placed in companies for their work-based experience part of their training, and, since these are scarce skills, especially pattern making and moulding, most of the graduates have been absorbed into the industry. While the Kwa Thema campus was se- lected as the venue for the GFTC due to its proximity to industries relying on foundries in Gauteng, course participants are sent by their companies for trade testing from as far as Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Kimberley. “We have had several people apply to do their recognition of prior learning (RPL) through the GFTC. They initially apply through the sector education and training authority for an RPL, who then refers them to us for a pre-assessment. If additional training is needed, we set that up for them. These are people who might have decades’ worth of practical foundry experience without formal training,” Beling continues.
automotive and heavy-industry applica- tions. Without skilled moulders, pattern makers and melters, the ability to produce accurate, high-quality castings diminishes, thus creating a ripple effect that weakens local manufacturing competitiveness and increases dependence on imports. The con- tinuation of accredited apprenticeships and learnerships in these trades is essential for ensuring a future talent pipeline.” These views are echoed by industry stakeholders, who emphasise that foundries play a critical role in job creation and occupy a unique position within the manufacturing sector. There is a continued demand for accredited training aligned with modern technologies and sustainable practices, with skills development seen as a key driver of
He adds that age is not an issue. Young people start their training before employ- ment, while the more established – the oldest participant thus far was 64 years old – polish their skills and benefit from the accreditation that, in turn, strengthens skills development, quality improvement and the competitiveness of the whole industry. Industry support Comments from Industry summarised the importance of skilled artisans and technicians in this field: “These trades are integral to South Africa’s economic driv- ers, particularly within the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Foundries form the foundation of numerous value chains, supplying essential castings for mining,
The inspection and finishing tables at the well-organised and modern Gauteng Foundry Technology College (GFTC).
36 ¦ MechChem Africa • May-June 2026
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